This is a fast growing shrub or small tree with masses of bright red berries throughout autumn.

These will deck the branches until the birds decide they fancy them. Last year I watched a flock of Redwing descend and strip the shrub of its fruit in a couple of days. The berries must have been a welcome meal after the Redwing’s migratory flight from eastern Europe and the local Wood pigeon wasn’t impressed.

Cotoneaster ‘Cornubia’ is a semi-evergreen shrub and some of the leaves start to turn shades of yellow and orange as the berries redden giving a fabulous autumn display. Many of the leaves stay green and are retained over the winter, hence its semi-evergreen status.

This is a great hardy shrub for sun or semi shade, but it does need room to express itself being wide spreading in stature (6m wide and high). Any pruning should be done carefully to retain a good symmetrical shape and this can be carried out in late spring or early summer after flowering. The clusters of flowers appear in June and are creamy white in colour.

Highly recommended if you have the space and need a quick growing shrub or tree.